It is never too early to teach kids about appropriate forms of affection and to empower them to consent to the affection that they receive from others, but some people believe that parents and officials are going too far with their efforts.
A new program sponsored by the Australian government, known as Respect Matters, is intended to help young children learn how to handle difficult or uncomfortable situations and how to manage their relationships. It may even draw attention to the need for gender respect and equality.
The program, which is popular in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria, is teaching young children to tell their grandmothers not to kiss them. Rather than accepting a kiss on the cheek from an older relative, children are encouraged to tell their grandmother that they prefer a hug. According to Hon Dan Tehan, Minister of Education in Australia, the aim of the program is to “provide teachers with resources to help young people as they learn how to deal with issues like self-respect, respect for others, and value of fostering positive relationships throughout their lives.”
Margie Buttris, a childhood educator with HUSHeducation Australia spoke to the Mirror, explaining:
“We’re talking about situations such as Grandma wants to swoop in for the big sloppy kiss and if the child doesn’t want that to happen what can they do,” she said. “They can respectfully say: ‘No thanks Grandma, let’s have a hug instead’.”
Respect Matters is not the only program in Australia to educate young children about such matters. Another program, which is known as Respectful Relationships, focuses on the role that respect plays in personal relationships. Their website states:
“Respectful Relationships supports schools and early childhood settings to promote and model respect, positive attitudes and behaviours. It teaches our children how to build healthy relationships, resilience and confidence.”
While programs like these have the best intentions, many people are not jumping on board.
According to the Mirror, opponents say that children need affection, and they should be taught that hugs and kisses on the cheek from family members are acceptable.
While a line needs to be drawn, opponents say that the line is not being drawn in the right place. After all, there is a difference between a stranger kissing a child on the cheek and a grandparent doing the same thing.
Where do you stand on this issue? We would love to read about what you have to say, so feel free to leave your comments in the area below.
